9th Annual West Virginia RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both West Virginia and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 10 ADN degree programs and 9 BSN degree programs in West Virginia. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in West Virginia to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.Â
Best ADN Programs in West Virginia
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Davis & Elkins College
Pass Rate
- 100 Campus Dr, Elkins, WV - 26241-3996
- (304) 637-1900
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 45
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,380
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,779
- Percent Admitted: 69%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Davis & Elkins College located in Elkins, West Virginia has one of the best nursing programs in the entire state. They offer an ADN program and unique to a community college, they also offer an online RN to BSN program. The online program can be completed in 12 months and students are kept with small cohorts so that they get to know their online peers. The NCLEX-RN pass rates of the recent years have been more than 80% and the board certification passing rate and job placement rates are approximately 100%.
Along with high-quality education, Davis and Elkins College offers a beautiful rural campus, a variety of recreational opportunities, friendly faculty and staff, and a small faculty-student ratio. The college also has a wonderful externship program that allows nursing students who have completed their first year to earn and learn the ropes of nursing during a 4-6 week-long summer program. In this program, the students work and learn under the supervision of an RN to get first-hand learning experience and increase their knowledge and skills in core nursing competencies like patient assessment, clinical judgment, decision making, critical thinking, and other skills. The externs get the chance to learn in various clinical settings around the community.
In addition to this, Davis and Elkins College also provide generous scholarships and financial aid to students via partnerships with various healthcare facilities.
Undergraduate Programs: The four years traditional BSN program at Davis and Elkins College is a competitive program that prepares students for a wide variety of nursing roles and careers. Graduates of the program work in hospitals, home care services, military, educational facilities, management, as well as research.
Similarly, the ASN program also prepares students to take their NCLEX-RN examination and work in hospitals, home care services, doctors’ offices, and other areas.
The college also offers an online RN to BSN program that is designed to help working RNs pursue their BSN degree via a flexible and online course. The program only includes two courses at a time over an 8-week period which allows students to earn their BSN degree within a year.
Finally, there is an in-person LPN to ASN program that includes on-campus classes with onsite clinical rotations, that allows students to get their ASN degree in a year and a half.
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Salem University
Pass Rate
- 223 W Main St, Salem, WV - 26426
- (304) 326-1109
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 26
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $13,150
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 76%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,590
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 32%
Salem University is one of the best in the state with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of almost a perfect 100%. The work-focused nursing degrees provide a foundation for further growth and learning. The study also enjoys the benefits of small class sizes and one-on-one mentorship and instruction from the faculty.
Salem University provides ample opportunities for nursing students to practice their skills and knowledge. The modern simulation equipment and simulated scenarios allow students to get hands-on experience in life-like situations they would encounter while working in healthcare. Additionally, the university also has clinical affiliations with almost a dozen healthcare facilities and organizations in the area so students get the opportunity to get much-needed clinical experiences in a high-quality, hands-on environment. The classroom education, lab hours, and clinical rotations at Salem University allow students to excel at nursing skills, procedures, techniques, problem-solving, reasoning, communication, and critical thinking.
Undergraduate Programs: The Associate of Science in Nursing is a 22-month program that prepares students to excel at their NCLEX-RN examination and work at a variety of healthcare facilities. The well-rounded and comprehensive curriculum allows students to learn to provide excellent patient care to all ages.
Similarly, for RNs who do not have their Bachelor’s degree, Salem University offers an online RN to BSN program that is designed by nurses for nurses. The course focuses on the needs, experiences, and other skills they will need as they advance their careers.
Graduate Programs: The fully online MSN program at Salem University helps students build upon their previous knowledge as a bachelor-level nurses. The MSN degree focuses on either Nursing Administration or Nursing Education and has evidence-based research findings as its foundation.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
West Virginia Junior College
Pass Rate
- 148 Willey St, Morgantown, WV - 26505
- (304) 296-8282
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.87%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 13
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $400
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 97%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,300
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 59%
West Virginia Junior College teaches its students with a challenging curriculum focusing on compassion, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as its foundation. By the time the students graduate, they possess the skills to be great leaders as well as competent care providers.Â
The faculty comprises of dedicated, learned, and working healthcare professionals who are committed to the success and career goals of the students. In addition to that, the small class sizes and ample classroom instruction account for individualized attention and mentorship from the world-class faculty. The college is also well-equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, high-fidelity skills laboratory, and other learning resources that allow students to practice their nursing skills and knowledge to perfection. West Virginia Junior college also allows its students to take part in clinical practice in multiple diverse healthcare facilities in the area to ensure that the students know how to work in a real hospital environment before assuming the roles of professional nurses. The school provides all its nursing students with a well-rounded, specialized nursing education to help them prepare for a challenging and rewarding career as a registered nurse.
Undergraduate Programs: The Associate Degree in Nursing program at West Virginia Junior College is one of the best in the state and has been preparing competent, qualified, and compassionate nurses for many years now. The education and instruction they receive at this institute have been very helpful for the graduates to pass their NCLEX-RN examination and lead a rewarding nursing career.
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Pass Rate
- 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, Martinsburg, WV - 25403
- (304) 260-4380
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.56%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 89
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,128
- Book and Supplies: $1,460
- Percent Received Aid: 89%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,892
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 35%
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College originated over 40 years ago and was originally called Shepherd Community College and was renamed Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in 2006.
At Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, the nursing courses are intended to provide the students with the awareness of the value and dignity of people. The faculty teach the students to view the patient as an integrated, unique individual who requires nursing knowledge and skill.
The high-quality classrooms, lab, and clinical rotations educate students for practicing to enhance the health status of the region. The simulation and clinical rotations allow them the use their classroom knowledge to develop critical thinking skills and use evidence-based research to demonstrate competent practice to deliver safe and effective patient care. The competitive and relevant curriculum allows students to provide care according to the legal, ethical, and professional standards while also considering the impact of economic, political, social, and demographic forces.
Undergraduate Programs: The ASN course prepares students to take excel at their NCLEX-RN examination and also provides a base for further education and career advancement. The course teaches entry-level professionals to provide compassionate nursing care to patients regardless of different values, beliefs, cultures, lifestyles.
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Marshall University Huntington Campus
Pass Rate
- 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV - 25755
- (304) 696-3170
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.03%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 830
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,552
- Book and Supplies: $1,100
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,947
- Percent Admitted: 89%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
Marshall University is located in Huntington, West Virginia. Â They offer an ASN degree through a partnership with St. Mary's School of Nursing and Marshall University. Â They also offer a BSN degree, which is the largest BSN program within a university setting in the region. Â They also offer an online RN to BSN option.
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Pass Rate
- Dempsey Branch Road, Mount Gay, WV - 25637
- (304) 896-7098
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.79%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 60
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,084
- Book and Supplies: $2,000
- Percent Received Aid: 97%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,621
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 21%
At Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, the faculty and staff are dedicated to making the college a model of leadership, academic excellence, collaboration, and occupational training. The college equips all its nursing students with the tools and education that are necessary to compete and prosper in the modern healthcare environment.
The college aims to accomplish its goals of becoming a model educational institution by providing excellent education and instruction. The students are led by the examples of the faculty and staff who are as encouraging as they are skilled. Similarly, the classroom activities, lab work, simulations, and clinical practice are designed to encourage the students for creativity and innovation. In addition to the competitive and relevant degrees, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College also contribute to workforce development by workforce development, continuing education, and training programs that support the needs of employees and employers while also serving as a mechanism for economic development.
Undergraduate Programs: The Associate Degree in Nursing at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is committed to providing accessible, high-quality nursing education that meets the diverse and changing healthcare needs of all individuals of all ages in a variety of healthcare settings.
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Fairmont University LPN-ADN Program
Pass Rate
- 1201 Locust Ave, Fairmont, WV - 26554-2470
- (304) 367-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.22%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 166
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,892
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,478
- Percent Admitted: 94%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
#7 Associate Degree in Nursing
West Virginia Northern Community College
Pass Rate
- 1704 Market St., Wheeling, WV - 26003-3699
- (304) 233-5900
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.36%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 54
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,300
- Book and Supplies: $1,135
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,495
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 24%
West Virginia Northern Community College is among the best nursing colleges in the state with a rich history of 40+ years of higher education. The college aims to produce nurses who are competent, knowledgeable, and can advocate for their patients.
To allow the students to develop into skilled professionals who can implement evidence-based research into their practice, West Virginia Northern Community College integrates precepted clinical experiences with classroom instruction. This clinical practicum takes place in multiple specialized healthcare facilities and provides for community experiences. The experiences ensure that the nurses make sound judgments in practice that are backed with evidence-based practices and that they provide quality care that promotes the health of patients within a family and community context. The students are trained to become healthcare leaders who can evaluate the utilization of healthcare system resources to effectively and efficiently manage care.
Undergraduate Programs: The AAS program at West Virginia Northern Community College allows students to sit for their NCLEX-RN examination upon completion. The students are recommended to complete the program via either a two-year full-time enrollment or a three-year part-time enrollment should an interruption in education occur.
Best BSN Programs in West Virginia
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
West Virginia University
Pass Rate
- PO Box 6201, Morgantown, WV - 26506
- (304) 293-0111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 87.19%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2421
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,976
- Book and Supplies: $950
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,852
- Percent Admitted: 84%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Marshall University Huntington Campus
Pass Rate
- 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV - 25755
- (304) 696-3170
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 74.72%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 830
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,552
- Book and Supplies: $1,100
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,947
- Percent Admitted: 89%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Pass Rate
- 59 College Ave, Buckhannon, WV - 26201-2994
- (304) 473-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 73.86%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 65
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,940
- Percent Admitted: 66%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Shepherd University
Department of Nursing Education
Pass Rate
- 301 North King St, Shepherdstown, WV - 25443
- (304) 876-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 73.62%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 142
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,784
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,100
- Percent Admitted: 98%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
#5 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program
Pass Rate
- 316 Washington Ave, Wheeling, WV - 26003
- (304) 243-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 72.00%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 28
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,662
- Percent Admitted: 77%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
#6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
West Liberty University
Pass Rate
- 208 University Drive, West Liberty, WV - 26074
- (304) 336-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 71.59%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 148
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,345
- Book and Supplies: $1,645
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,931
- Percent Admitted: 68%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
About RN Programs in West Virginia
- There are 26 nursing schools in West Virginia. The CCNE accredits 10 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 14 schools in West Virginia.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in West Virginia is between 77.40% and 100.00%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in West Virginia is between 74.00% and 99.11%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in West Virginia can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
There are fewer than 20,000 registered nurses in the state of West Virginia. According to a recent study, less than half of those registered nurses have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is a need, now more than ever, for bachelor’s-prepared nurses who are trained to lead and manage other nurses. Nursing schools across the state of West Virginia that offer online classes as well as traditional campus settings in addition to distance learning options. Nurses are encouraged to seek information from multiple schools to make the best decision possible.
West Virginia RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 12 | 14 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 91.94% | 86.18% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 77.40% to 100.00% | 74.00% to 99.11% |
Nursing Programs Offered by West Virginia Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 21
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 5
- Practical Nursing: 2
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nurse Educator: 1
- Nursing Administration: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
West Virginia Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- West Virginia University: 4
- Marshall University Huntington Campus: 3
- Salem University: 3
- West Virginia Wesleyan College: 3
- Shepherd University: 2
- Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program: 2
- Davis & Elkins College: 1
- Fairmont University LPN-ADN Program: 1
- West Virginia Junior College: 1
- West Liberty University: 1
Become a Nurse Practitioner in West Virginia
Research the best West Virginia NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Become an APRN in West Virginia
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
RN Licensing Requirements in West Virginia
Comprehensive guide to West Virginia Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN.
West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive, Suite 102
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-3596
More of the Best RN Programs in West Virginia
Grade
|
University
|
West Virginia Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
84.21 | University of Charleston | 9 | ADN |
77.40 | Bluefield State College Bluefield Campus LPN-ADN | 10 | ADN |
81.73 | Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program | 4 | BSN |
74.00 | University of Charleston | 5 | BSN |
Compare Nursing Salaries in West Virginia
How much do nurses earn in West Virginia?
- CNA Salary Report for 2024
- LPN Salary Report for 2024
- RN Salary Report for 2024
- NP Salary Report for 2024
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